Construction software doesn't just facilitate communication and collaboration—it also holds a wealth of valuable data that can be leveraged to streamline processes and save time. By harnessing this data effectively, construction teams can identify inefficiencies, optimize workflows, and make informed decisions that drive project success. Make sure your software has these capabilities.

Thorough data analysis tools for optimized workflows

One of the biggest time-saving advantages of using software is leveraging the data to optimize your workflows. Look for software with easy-to-understand dashboards and thorough reports. From the project management side, your foremen and project managers should be able to know in a single glance if you made or lost money on the job that day. If the job is off track, there should be tools available that can assess where to reallocate resources.

On the safety side, thorough reports help teams go beyond compliance to protect both workers and the bottom line. Near miss reports can assess where hazards arise and teams can make sure to hold a safety meeting around it. OSHA-approved incident reports can be logged from the field and ensure that preventive measures are taken in the future. It goes without saying, but make sure that this data is available to you in real-time for real-time analysis!

A permanent audit trail

Unfortunately, incidents on the job can happen. It’s important that your safety software not only helps protect your workers and instill good safety practices, but also provides an audit trail if an audit from an owner, OSHA, MSHA, or other authority occurs. Make sure your software keeps logs of equipment inspections, crew certifications, and thorough reporting features. This can speed up the audit, save the company money, and get the crew back to work more quickly.

Leverage equipment data for preventive maintenance schedules

Your equipment is one of your most costly assets. Make sure that your software is keeping track of managing and maintaining all of that valuable equipment. Look for software that syncs your equipment’s ECU data with your preventive maintenance software. It can pull in real-time meter readings and detailed location history to preventative maintenance software to keep track of asset usage and more quickly assess where to repair and replace equipment. You should be able to see a snapshot at the fleet level for how much everything is costing you by the mile or how much you’re spending on a certain type of work. Bonus points if that equipment management software can flow into your job costing software so you can better control your overall production cost.